Apparatus for binding two objects

ABSTRACT

A self-clearing mounting system adapted for coupling two objects, the mounting system consisting of base member and binding means of a second member, and wherein the base member comprises a substantially planar base plate with guiding means, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the base member, for aligning the base member with the binding means of the second object and engagement means, in parallel alignment with the guiding means, for slidably engaging the binding means of the second object. The binding means of the second object has complementary guiding means for slidably receiving and engaging the guiding means of the first object. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the base member further has means for locking the binding means of the second member to the base member.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] This invention relates generally to apparatus for binding two objects, and, more particularly, to a device for securing a movable object to a surface, or platform.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0004] Many activities require that a person's foot be firmly secured to the surface, or platform, on which the person is standing. This is true when the person is riding a sporting device, such as a snowboard, or using snowshoes, and also when the person is standing on the deck of a rolling ship. The person's foot is supported by a boot, shoe, or other footwear device that is specially suited for the particular activity.

[0005] In snowboarding, snowboarders wear various types of boots that are attached to the snowboard with a binding. The snowboarder places each boot into a binding and rides the snowboard across a snowy surface. Typically, both of the snowboarder's feet are completely or partially transversely oriented relative to the longitudinal axis of the snowboard. The snowboarders boots must be bound to the snowboard so that the snowboarder will not become separated from the snowboard during movement. In the field of sailing, for example, many boaters wear shoes with specially designed soles that provide a non-skid surface.

[0006] There are no known devices for holding the feet of a sailor firmly in a particular location on the deck of a ship. There currently exist a large number of binding systems that are used to bind a snowboarder's boots to a snowboard. One type of snowboard boot binding is a conventional strap-on binding. This type of binding employs a series of straps that extend around the exterior of the boot from the surface of the snowboard where the boots are mounted. The straps are fixed around the boot by closure tightening mechanisms, such as latches. The snowboarder places his or her boot on the snowboard and then secures the boot to the snowboard by wrapping and tightening the straps around the boot.

[0007] Another type of snowboard binding that is currently used is the “step-in” binding, similar to the type that is conventionally used with snow skis. With a step-in binding, the attachment occurs when a snowboarder steps downwardly into a latching device that is mounted on the snowboard. The snowboarder's boot exerts a downward force on the binding, which triggers a mechanism in the binding device, causing a latch or hook to be released. The latch or hook engages a recess or other bearing surface in the boot that is configured to receive the latch. The latch thus couples to the boot to thereby secure the boot the snowboard. In order to release the boot, the snowboarder manually disengages the latch or hook from the recess or whichever bearing surface type that is used.

[0008] Certain drawbacks are associated with prior boot binding systems. Strap-on binding systems are often inconvenient to use. In order to bind a boot to a snowboard using a strap-on system, the snowboarder must use his or her hands to grab and tighten the straps around the boot. This may be difficult if the snowboarder is wearing gloves, as is often the case. Consequently, the snowboarder may have to remove his or her gloves, which is uncomfortable and unsafe in cold weather. Furthermore, the snowboarder must generally sit down or stoop in order to bind the straps to the boot. This may be inconvenient and uncomfortable, especially in the snow or on inclined slopes. Moreover, snow is often packed in the latches, which makes them difficult to operate. Hence, the snowboarder must manually remove the snow before binding the boot, which is both inconvenient and time-consuming.

[0009] There are also a number of drawbacks associated with step-in binding systems. First, step-in systems typically employ complex mechanics with a number of moving parts. As a result, step-in systems are susceptible to malfunctions caused by mechanical failure. Furthermore, the moving parts in the step-in system may cause bearing surfaces to wear down quickly, which reduces the life of the binding. The mechanics of step-in systems also make such systems costly and difficult to manufacture, which raises the price of such systems.

[0010] Another drawback associated with step-in systems is that debris may get caught in the boot or binding recess which receive the securing latch or hook. The latch couples to the boot in such a way that when the snowboarder steps into the binding device, the latch packs and compresses any debris in the recess, which interferes with the coupling of the latch to the recess. This is especially undesirable for snow, which can be packed into a hard ice and is difficult to remove from the recess. In order to avoid this problem, the snowboarder must take time to clear the recess of snow prior to stepping into the binding. This is inconvenient, especially if the snowboarder is wearing gloves.

[0011] Due to the way a snowboarder's feet are oriented on the snowboard, it may also be difficult for a snowboarder to generate sufficient downward force to trigger the latching mechanism of a step-in binding. A proper snowboard stance requires that the snowboarder's feet be spaced apart from each other on the snowboard. After the first foot is attached to the step-in binding on the snowboard, the angle of the snowboarder's second foot relative to the snowboard makes it difficult and awkward for the snowboarder to exert a downward force into the binding. As a result, a snowboarder may have considerable difficulty binding the second foot to the snowboard.

[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 6,135,486 to Neiley discloses a mounting system adapted for coupling a boot of a user to a recreational device such as a snowboard, and the like. The system comprises at least one, first mounting device on the recreational device and at least one, second corresponding mounting device on the boot adapted for mating engagement with the first mounting device on the recreational device. The first and second mounting devices slideably and rotateably engage one another in substantially the same engagement plane which is also substantially parallel to the mounting plane of the recreational device. The system of Neiley puts rotational strain on the knee of the user, which may be amplified if the recreational device moves when the user is in the process of mounting the device. In addition, the user must carefully visually align the mounting devices prior to engagement.

[0013] Given these drawbacks, there is a need for a binding system having a simple, reliable design that may be used to easily and conveniently mount an object, such as a boot or shoe, to a selected surface, or platform, in a manner in which the object is guided to engagement with the selected surface.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The present invention is a binding system that may be used to mount two objects together. The versatility of the binding system is broad. The binding system may be employed to secure a sailor at the helm of a vessel, the snowboarder to a snowboard, or a detachable container to a wall. Although described and illustrated herein in the context of snowboard bindings, the features of the present invention are broadly applicable to a wide variety of uses, and are not limited to recreational devices. For example, the binding system of the invention could be used in low-gravity situations and no-gravity situations, such as permitting an individual to maintain a fixed position.

[0015] The binding system described herein has a simple, unique design with a number of advantages over the prior art. The binding system allows a user to easily mount a boot to a selected platform using a natural straight-line leg motion that does not involve the user's hands, so that the user does not have to stop or sit during mounting. Once the first foot is mounted, it is not difficult or awkward to mount the second foot using the straight-line leg motion. Debris, such as snow, is automatically ejected from the engagement surfaces during the mounting process so that mounting is easily and quickly accomplished. Furthermore, a locking mechanism may be employed to lock the boot to the selected platform when the boot is in the correct position. The only moving parts of the binding system are in the locking means, so that the system is reliable and is not prone to malfunctions.

[0016] In one embodiment of the invention, the boot is slidingly mounted to the selected surface in a direction generally parallel to the surface of the sole on the boot. At least one rail is preferably located on the platform. A corresponding slot, which is configured to slidingly receive the rail, is preferably located on the sole of the boot. The rail and slot together define a complementary mating engagement between the boot and platform. The cross-sectional shape of the mating engagement may have two components, including a first upright component and a second component oriented substantially transverse relative to the upright component. Alternatively, the components of the mating engagement may be integrally formed into a single component such that the cross-sectional shape restricts relative movement between the boot and the platform. The binding system additionally includes means for guiding the rail and slot to the point of engagement, enabling the wearer to mount the selected platform by feel, and without the requirement of looking at the selected surface or the binding system.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, two rails, two slots, and at least two guides are used. The rails and slots are straight so that the wearer my engage the binding system without the need of any rotational movement. The straight-line motion enables the wearer to engage the binding system with the least amount of necessary force, and with no stress on the wearers knees.

[0018] In another aspect of the invention, debris, such as mud or snow, is automatically ejected from the rails and the slots during the mounting process. As the rail is slidingly inserted into the slot, the leading edge of the rail forces debris out of the slot so that the debris is ultimately ejected through one end of the slot. The sliding motion between the slot and the rail advantageously does not compact or compress debris within the slot. Hence, the user does not have to remove debris, such as mud or snow, prior to binding the boot to the selected platform, making the mounting system easy to use.

[0019] In yet another aspect of the invention, a locking mechanist secures the boot against undesired movement relative to the platform when the boot is correctly mounted on the platform.

[0020] Hence, the binding system may be used to quickly and conveniently mount a boot to a variety of platforms. The method of mounting the boot is easily accomplished by the user with a natural straight-line motion of the leg. Prior to mounting, the user may kick any snow or other debris from the mounting surfaces to facilitate a smooth mounting. Further, the system may be operated when standing, which is convenient for the user, especially on slopes or in snow. The binding system is designed to automatically removes debris from the mounting surfaces so that the user does not have to concern himself with cleaning the mounting surfaces prior to mounting. The locking mechanism assures that the user orients the boot in the correct position relative to the selected surface. Finally, the binding system is simple in design without mechanical parts, other than in the locking means, so that the system is highly reliable.

[0021] Thus, the present invention provides many advantages over the mounting systems of the prior art. The footwear mounting system of the present invention has a simple, reliable design that may be used to easily and conveniently mount a object, such as a boot or shoe, to a selected surface, or an object, such as a container, to a wall.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] These and other features of the invention will now be described with reference to the drawings of preferred embodiments of a snowboard binding system. The illustrated embodiments of the binding system are intended to illustrate, but not to limit the invention.

[0023]FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the binding system of the present invention when engaged.

[0024]FIG. 2 illustrates a plan view of the binding component of the preferred embodiment.

[0025]FIG. 3 illustrates a plan view of the binding component of FIG. 2.

[0026]FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a boot with the complementary binding system.

[0027]FIGS. 5a and 5 b illustrate a plan and side view of the complementary platform locking system component.

[0028]FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a boot member complementary locking system.

[0029]FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a second platform member locking mechanism.

[0030]FIG. 8 illustrates a second embodiment of a platform member of the invention. FIG. 9 illustrates a third embodiment of a platform member of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0031] Base Binding Member.

[0032] Although the present invention may be used in a variety of applications, it will be described in the context of a boot binding system for a snowboard (not shown). FIG. 1 illustrates a binding system 1. The binding system 1 includes at least one base 10, which may be attached to a platform (not shown). The binding system 1 also includes at least one complementary binding member, boot 100, which is configured to slidably attach to the base 2. The base 2 may be used to removably mount the boot 100 to the selected platform, as described below.

[0033] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the base 2 has a substantially planar member base plate 4, having a smooth bottom surface (not shown). The base plate 4 is generally rectangular, having a somewhat semi-circular protuberance defining a main guide portion 6 extending along and symmetrical about transverse axis b and defining the leading edge 14 of base 2. Base 2 has edges 8 and 12 substantially perpendicular to trailing edge 10. Base plate 4 is symmetrical about its longitudinal midpoint, having a circular orifice 16 at the intersection of longitudinal axis a and axis b (about the geometric midpoint of the rectangular portion of base plate 4), for receiving a means for attaching the base 2 to a selected platform. However, the geometric footprint is not an aspect of the invention, and base 2 could be of a wide variety of shapes and remain within the scope of the invention.

[0034] Referring now to FIG. 2, mounting plate 18 is adapted for attaching base 2 to the selected platform. Circular aperture 16 extends through the base plate 4, and is flanged to create a recessed section (not shown) for retaining mounting plate 18. Such flanged recesses are well known to one of ordinary skill in the art. In the case of a snowboard, the mounting plate 18 is a conventional Hirth Curvic Coupling-type device of approximately 3 inches diameter, also as well known to those skilled in the art. The mounting plate 18 has multiple oblong slots 21 for receiving bolts or screws for attaching mounting plate 18 to the selected platform. It will be appreciated that other means could be used to attach mounting plate 18 to a platform, such as an adhesive or bolts or screws that extend through individual apertures formed in otherly configured mounting plates. In the preferred embodiment, mounting plate 18 is preferably formed of a rigid material, such as a metal, including steel or aluminum. Alternatively, mounting plate 18 could be manufactured of a rigid plastic or composite material. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that a wide variety of materials could be used to manufacture mounting plate 18. Alternatively, base member 10 could be incorporated into the platform, negating the requirement for any mounting means.

[0035] Referring again to FIGS. 2 and 4, base plate 4 has a first side section 30, a middle section 32, and second side section 34. As can be see in FIG. 2, main guide portion 6 lies within middle section 32, and has incorporated thereon main guide 38, of semi-circular cross-section and of approximately 1 inch radius, sized to mate with a corresponding groove in boot 100, as will be discussed below. Main guide 38 extends from the leading edge 14 along axis b to a selected point adjacent, but not obstructing, mounting plate 18. Thus, main guide 38 is formed perpendicular to and at the approximate midpoint of the longitudinal axis a of base plate 4. In the preferred embodiment, main guide 38 tapered on its leading edge, is constructed of a hard, durable plastic or composite, and is attached to base plate 4 by any convention method, such as by screws or by adhesive. If base plate 4 is constructed of a hard, durable plastic or composite material, main guide 38 could be constructed as an integral part of base plate 4. Alternatively, main guide 38 could be fabricated from stainless steel.

[0036] Mounted on first side section 30 and second side section 34 of base plate 4 are respectively pad supports 20 and 22. Pad supports 20 and 22 function to provide a shock absorbent material between base plate 4 and the object to be mounted on base 2. Pad supports 20 and 22 are symmetrical about axis b and extend from first edge 8 and second edge 12, respectively, to selected points adjacent, but not overlapping, mounting plate 18. Support pads 20 and 22 may be affixed to base plate 4 in any conventional manner, such as with screws or adhesives. In the preferred embodiment, support pads 20 and 22 are about 0.1 inches to about 0.25 inches in thickness and may be constructed stainless steel, aluminim alloys, magnesium, titanium, or any of a number of rigid to semi-rigid plastics, composites, or other similar materials, such a carbon fiber.

[0037] Referring again to FIGS. 2 and 3, first pad 40 and second pad 42 provide support for the boot 100 when the wearer is mounted on the binding. As is shown in FIG. 3, pads 40 and 42 have a generally wedge shaped profile, extending from first edge 8 and second edge 12, respectively, along axis a to selected points on support pads 20 and 22, with the narrow portion of the wedge toward middle section 32. Pads 40 and 42 are constructed of a moderate to stiffly compressive plastic material, which will be sufficiently durable to enable repeated mounting of boot 100 to base 2, such as rigid to semi-rigid plastics, composites, or other similar materials, such a carbon fiber. Support pads 40 and 42 may be affixed to base plate 4 in any conventional manner, such as with screws or adhesives. In the preferred embodiment, support pads 40 and 42 are about 0.1 inches to about 0.25 inches in thickness.

[0038] Spaced apart from and parallel to main guide 38 are secondary guides 48 and 50. Guide 48 is formed adjacent pad 40 on first section 30, and guide 50 is formed adjacent pad 42 on the second side section 34. Referring again to FIG. 2, in the preferred embodiment secondary guides 48 and 50 are of a selected length to extend from a point overlapping first edge 14 by about 0.25 inches to a selected point on pads 40 and 42 respectively. Secondary guides 48 and 50 are parallel to and cooperate with main guide 38 to orient boot 100 with respect to rails 44 and 46, discussed below. Secondary guides 48 and 50 are each of semicircular cross-section and tapered on their leading edges and constructed of a hard, durable plastic or composite material, and may be affixed to base plate 4 by any conventional means, such as with screws or with an adhesive. In this exemplary embodiment, guides 48 and 50 are positioned outside of rails 44 and 46; however, such positioning is not a limitation on the invention and guides 48 and 50 could be placed between rails 44 and 46 and mounting plate 18, respectively.

[0039] As shown in FIGS. 2-3, base plate 4 includes a pair of rails, 44 and 46, that are spaced apart along longitudinal axis a and parallel to axis b and main guide 38. Rails 44 and 46 permit a straight-line mounting of the boot 100 onto the base 2. The cross sectional shapes of rails 44 and 46 are advantageously configured to substantially conform to the complementary mating surfaces on the boot 100, as described in more detail below.

[0040] First rail 44 and a second rail 46 are preferably located on the top surface of pad supports 20 and 22, respectively. First rail 44 is positioned on the first side section 30, affixed on the top surface of pad support 20 and second rail 46 is positioned on the second side section 34, affixed on the top surface of pad support 22. Upright lower rail parts 52 and 53 of the front rail 44 and rear rail 46, respectively, extend upward from the plate top surface 23. In the illustrated embodiments, lower rail parts 52 and 53 are oriented orthogonally relative to the top surface of support pads 20 and 22 respectively. However, lower rail parts 52 and 53 could be oriented at various angles relative to the top surfaces and remain within the scope of the invention. Lower rail parts 52 and 53 support and extend substantially the length of upper rail parts 45 and 47. In this preferred embodiment upper rail parts 45 and 47 are selected to have circular cross-sections. Rails 44 and 46 are spaced apart from mounting plate 18 by the lower rail parts 52 and 53. In the illustrated embodiment, upper rail parts 45 and 47 are rods located at the top end of lower rail parts 52 and 53, respectively, and are substantially parallel to the top surfaces of pad supports 20 and 22. Upper rail parts 45 and 47 may be of any selected length relative to the width of base plate 4, it only being necessary that they are sufficiently long to engage a sufficient portion of the complementary binding means of boot 100 to securely bind boot 100 to base 2. The cross-sectional diameter of upper rail parts 45 and 47 are sized such that said diameter is wider than the cross-sectional width of lower rail parts 52 and 53. Thus, upper rail parts 44 and 46 extend outwardly from lower rail parts 52 and 53 so that the cross-sections of rail parts 45 and 47 in the combination with lower rail parts 52 and 53, respectively, are generally keyhole-shaped. Rail parts 45 and 47 may be tapered at their tips to facilitate engagement with the complementary binding means of boot 100. In the preferred embodiment, the combination of rail parts 45 and 47, in combination with lower rail parts 52 and 53, respectively, are fabricated as integral components from stainless steel, and attached to base plate 4 by any conventional means, such as screws or adhesively. Alternatively, rails 44 and 46 could be constructed of a hard, durable plastic or composite material.

[0041] It should be appreciated that in this preferred embodiment, the cross-sectional profile of upper rail parts 45 and 47 is circular, however, the cross-sectional profile of upper rails 45 and 47 is not a limitation on the invention. Such cross-sectional profile may be of any desired shape, as long as the width of the upper rail parts is wider that the width of the lower rail parts. Referring to FIG. 3, the front and rear rails 44 and 46 each have an elongated, straight-line shape. Main guide 38, rails 44 and 46, and guides 48 and 50 are all in parallel alignment vis a vis each other. In addition, support pads 20, 22 and pads 40, 42 have been described as separate, distinct components, whereas it may be desirable to fabricate them as integrated.

[0042] It should be appreciated that base 2 could have a wide variety of dimensions configured for various object sizes. For an exemplary base 2, orifice 16 has a diameter of 3 inches. The lower rail parts 52 and 53 of the rails 44, 46 are each 0.5 inches wide. The upper rail parts 45 and 47 are of 1 inch diameter. There is a distance of approximately 0.40 inches between the top surface of pad supports 20 and 22 and the bottom of each of the upper rail parts 45 and 47. The thickness of base plate 2 is about 0.25 inches to about 0.30 inches.

[0043] Referring again to FIGS. 2 and 3, abutment means 26 is mounted on base plate 4, parallel to the longitudinal axis a of base 2, and adjacent trailing edge 10. Abutment means 26 serves to position and restrain the boot 100 when engaged with the complementary binding means base 2. Abutment means 26 is shown to be in the shape of an arcuate handle, extending about 2 inches to about 2½ inches above the top surface of base plate 4. Abutment means 26 is preferably formed of a strong, tubular, corrosion-resistant material, such as stainless steel, and affixed to base plate 4 by any known method, such as with screws or adhesively. However, in the event that base plate 4 is formed of a hard plastic or composite material, abutment means 26 could be formed as an integral part of base plate 4.

[0044] Complementary Binding Member.

[0045]FIG. 1 illustrates the profile of boot 100, with FIG. 4 illustrating a perspective view of a the lower portion of boot 100 with sole 102. As can readily seen, groove 138 is formed in sole 102 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of boot 100 and extending the width of boot 100. In this preferred embodiment, groove 138 is formed to be generally semicircular, for receiving main guide 38. The internal radius of groove 138 is marginally larger than the external radius of main guide 38, such that main guide 38 will snugly slide within groove 138.

[0046] Spaced apart and parallel to main groove 138 are generally semicircular grooves 148 and 150 for receiving guides 48 and 50, respectively. Grooves 148 and 150 are each formed to be generally semicircular, and each extends the full width of boot 100. The internal radii of grooves 148 and 150 are marginally larger than the external radii of guides 48 and 50, such that guides 48 and 50 will snugly slide within grooves 148 and 150.

[0047] A pair of slots 144 and 146 extend through the sole of the boot 100. The slots 144 and 146 are sized and configured to slidingly receive and mate with the rails 44 and 46 on base 2, as described more fully below. The geometries of slots 144 and 146 are selected to complement the geometries of rails 44 and 46. It should be appreciated that the spacing and configurations of the grooves and slots of boot 100 are selected to be complementary to the spacing and configurations of the guides and rails of base 2.

[0048] When the boot 100 is fully mounted and engaged with the base 2, the longitudinal axis of the boot 100 is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the base 2, as shown in FIG. 1. The mounted position is achieved by first positioning the boot 100 over main guide 38, which can be accomplished by simply moving boot 100 front and back along axis a until main guide 38 engages groove 138. Boot 100 then slides laterally along main guide 38 until guides 48 and 50 slidingly engage grooves 148 and 150, further positioning and aligning boot 100 with rails 44 and 46. By continuing to move boot 100 laterally, rail slots 144 and 146 slidingly engage rails 44 and 46, which secure boot 100 to base 2. Boot 100 is moved laterally across base 2 until it abuts with abutment means 26.

[0049] Referring again to FIG. 3, locking means 54 is affixed to base plate 4 adjacent trailing edge 10, axially aligned with axis b, and offset from the longitudinal midpoint of base 2. Locking means 54 secures boot 100 to base 2, to ensure that separation of boot 100 does not occur prematurely. Locking means 54 engages with a complementary means affixed to or incorporated within boot 100, as will be shown below. Referring now to FIG. 5a and b, locking means 54 consists of a pin retention bracket 58, which is affixed to base plate 4 by any known means, such as with screws or adhesively. Bracket 58 is U-shaped having opposing circular orifices on its upward arms for receiving pin 64. Bracket 58 is sized receive lever 55, which is mounted on pin 64, with pin 64 is sized to transverse the distance between the upright portions of U-shaped bracket 58 and engage the complementary orifices of bracket 58. As shown in FIG. 5a, lever 55 is of generally rectangular shape, with a rectangular notch 59 at its approximate midpoint for receiving spring 62. FIG. 5b illustrates an F-shaped profile of lever 55, having a circular orifice extending from notch 59 transversely across lever 55 for receipt of pin 64. Spring 62 has two lever arm detents, 66 and 68, to enable spring 62 to be pre-biased when mounted on locking means 55. When locking means 55 is assembled, spring 62 is inserted in notch 59 and slideably engaged on pin 64, along with lever 55, and positioned in U-shaped bracket 58. Spring detent 68 is aligned to abut against lever arm 60, with spring detent 66 pre-biased to apply a force against lever arm 60, and affixed to the adjacent upward arm of bracket 58, such that lever detent 56 is biased downward against base plate 4. Locking means 54 is oriented on base plate 4 such that lever arm 60 is adjacent trailing edge 10, and lever detent 56 extends toward the binding means such that when the boot is slidingly engaged with the binding means, lever detent 56 is positioned to engage the complementary means on boot 100.

[0050] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 6, complementary locking means consists of a U-shaped locking rail 156 with rail posts 160 and transverse rail part 158 that is either attached to or incorporated within boot 100. In this exemplary embodiment, locking rail 156 is imbedded in a rectangular slot formed in the side of the sole portion of boot 100. Locking rail is sized and positioned such that when boot 100 is slideably engaged with the binding means, lever 55 is manually depressed, pivoting lever 55 about pin 64, and raising lever detent 56, so that as boot 100 abut against abutment means 26, transverse rail part 158 engagingly receives lever detent 56 when lever 55 is released, thereby securing boot 100 to base 2. Boot 100 may be simply released from the locking means by manually depressing lever 55 such that lever detent 56 pivots upward about pin 64, permitting boot 100 to slidingly disengage from the locking means. Locking rail 156 may be formed of stainless steel, and incorporated within boot 100, or formed of a hard plastic or composite material as part of the sole of boot 100.

[0051]FIG. 7 illustrates an alternate means for binding boot 100 to base 2, consisting essentially of the same mechanics as locking means 54. In FIG. 7, locking means 70 consists of U-shaped locking bracket 74 having opposing circular orifices 72 for receiving pin 80. Lever 76 and spring 82 are mounted on pin 80, with spring 82 biased against lever 76 such that engagement arm 78 is biased in an upward direction. The leading surface of engagement arm 78 is angled such that when horizontal pressure is exerted against such angled surface, engagement arm 78 is forced downward, toward base plate 4. When boot 100 slidingly engages the binding means, transverse rail part 158 engages the angled surface on engagement arm 78, forcing engagement means to pivot down about pin 80. Spring 82 will bias engagement arm against transverse rail part 158 and force notch portion 84 to engage transverse rail part 158, thereby securing boot 100 to base 2. Boot 100 may be simply released from base 2 by operating lever 76 in a manner to pivot engagement arm 76 downward, and sliding disengaging boot 100 from the locking means.

[0052] The locking means of FIGS. 5 and 7 are only exemplary of ordinary means known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Other locking means could be alternatively employed. For example, a simple mechanical, lever-actuated cam mechanism could be used to bias either or both pads 40 and 42 against the sole of boot 100, thereby locking boot 100 to base 2. Release would be accomplished by de-activating the cam mechanism. Alternatively, either or both pads 40 and 42 could be spring loaded, such that when boot 100 engages one or both pads, the spring is released to bias the pad against the sole of boot 100. Boot 100 would be released by manually resetting the spring load. It should be recognized that the manner of locking boot 100 to base 2 is not a limitation on the claimed invention. There are a variety of locking mechanisms known to those of ordinary skill in the art, and the mechanisms described herein are only exemplary.

[0053] Concomitantly, there are other exemplary embodiments of base 2 of binding system 1. Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, where like components bear the same identifying numbers, FIG. 8 illustrates a second preferred embodiment particularly suited for use on a sporting device. Base 2 is identical to the embodiment of FIG. 2, additionally including a lever arm 92, affixed to base 2 at one end, and having abutment cup 90 for receiving the back of a users boot. Abutment cup 90 is arcuately shaped in the form of the back of the boot so that the boot will snugly abut against cup 90. Lever arm 92 and abutment cup 90 are preferably formed of a semi-flexible hard plastic or composite material as an integral unit, which is attached to base plate 4 by any known conventional means, such as with screws or adhesively. In the event that base 2 is formed from a hard plastic or composite, lever 92 and abutment cup 90 could be formed as an integral part of base 2. Abutment cup 90 functions to permit the user to place additional leverage, or torsion, on the platform toward the heel portion of the boot. This is particularly advantageous when snowboarding, allowing the user to more quickly place the snowboard on its back edge to make turns.

[0054] Referring now to FIG. 8, a binding means is illustrated that has additional guide means for aligning boot 100 with base 2. Extending substantially the length of base plate 4, transverse from the outside edge of pad support 20 to the outside edge of pad support 22 and adjacent pad supports 20 and 22 is affixed guide support 85, which is also used to anchor main guide 38 and secondary guides 48 and 50. Affixed to guide support 85 and base plate 4, and axially aligned with rails 44 and 46, are auxiliary guides 86 and 88 respectively. Auxiliary guides may be of various geometric side profiles, however, their widths correspond with the widths of the lower rail parts 52 and 53. Thus, as groove 138 of boot 100 engages main guide 38, auxiliary guides 86 and 88 are positioned to further align rail slots 144 and 146 with rails 44 and 46. In addition, the leading edges of auxiliary guides 86 and 88 will assist in cleaning out any debris which may have logged itself in rain slots 44 and 46.

[0055] It should now be appreciated that the complementary mounting system of the invention provides several advantages; 1) the complementary binding member can be aligned with the base member by feel, by engagement of the main guide groove of the complementary binding member with the main guide of the base member, 2) when the slide rails of the base member slidingly engage the rail slots of the complementary binding member, the rail slots are cleared of any debris that be occupying the slots, and 3) the locking means retains the position the complementary binding means to the base member.

[0056] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have disclosed the features of the invention as applied to these embodiments, it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions, and changes in the form of the detail of the embodiments illustrated may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the binding means for attaching the object to the base could be detachable, and formed of one plastic or composite material. The abutment means was described as an arcuate handle, however, any means of abutting the object may be used known by those of ordinary skill in the art. Further, the location of the rails and the grooves and slots could be interchanged so that the rails are located on the object to be mounted and the grooves slots are located on the base. Consequently, the scope of the invention should not be limited to the foregoing disclosure but should be defined by the claims that follow. 

I claim:
 1. A self-clearing mounting system adapted for coupling two objects, the mounting system comprising: a. a base member having a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the base member comprising: (i) a substantially planar base plate, having a leading edge, a trailing edge, and a selected width, the leading edge and trailing edge substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis of the base member; (ii) means for attaching the base plate to the first object; (iii) guiding means, formed on the base plate, the guiding means for aligning the base member with binding means of the second object; the guiding means perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the base member, and (iv) engagement means, adjacent to the guiding means and formed on the base plate in parallel alignment with the guiding means, the engagement means for slidably engaging the binding means of the second object; b. the binding means of the second object having a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis corresponding to the longitudinal and transverse axes of the base member, the binding means of the second object comprising: (i) complementary guiding means, the guiding means for slidably receiving the guiding means of the first object; and (ii) complementary engagement means, adjacent to the complementary guiding means in parallel alignment with the complementary guiding means, the complementary engagement means adapted for binding the second object to the engagement means of the base member.
 2. The mounting system of claim 1 wherein the guiding means comprises at least one guide member, the at least one guide member having a selected cross-section, the at least one guide member extending transversely on the base plate to a selected point relative to the engagement means of the base member.
 3. The mounting system of claim 1 wherein the engagement means comprises at least one rail member, the at least one rail member having a selected cross-section, the at least one rail member extending transversely on the base plate from a selected point relative to the at least one guide member to a selected point relative to the trailing edge of the base member.
 4. The mounting system of claim 1 wherein the guiding means of the second object comprises at least one guide groove, the at least one guide groove having a selected cross-section complementary to the cross-section of the at least one guide member, the at least one guide groove extending substantially transverse across the binding member.
 5. The mounting system of claim 1 wherein the complementary engagement means of the binding member comprises at least one rail slot, aligned perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the binding means, the at least one rail slot having a selected cross-section complementary to the at least on rail member, the at least one guide slot extending substantially transverse across the binding member.
 6. The mounting system of claim 2 wherein the selected cross-section of the at least one guiding member is semi-circular.
 7. The mounting system of claim 3 wherein the selected cross-section of the at least one rail member is in the shape of a keyhole.
 8. The mounting system of claim 4 wherein the selected cross-section of the at least one guide groove is semi-circular.
 9. The mounting system of claim 5 wherein the selected cross-section of the at least one rail slot is in the shape of a keyhole.
 10. The mounting system of claim 1 additionally including abutment means attached to the base member, the abutment means for positioning the complementary binding means relative to the base member.
 11. The mounting system of claim 10 additionally comprising locking means for securing the binding means of the base member to the complementary binding means of the second object.
 12. The mounting system of claim 1 wherein the means for attaching the base member to the first object is a Hirth Curvic Coupling-type device.
 13. The mounting system of claim 1 wherein the base member additionally includes a leverage means, the leverage means comprising a leverage arm for attaching a leverage cup to the base member, the leverage cup positioned for and shaped to receive a complementary portion of the complementary binding means, the leverage means for applying torsion to the base member.
 14. A self-clearing mounting system adapted for coupling two objects, the mounting system comprising: a. a base member having a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the base member comprising: (i) a substantially planar base plate, having a leading edge, a trailing edge, and a selected width, the leading edge and trailing edge substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis of the base member; (ii) means for attaching the base plate to the first object; (iii) at least one guide member, formed on the base plate, the at least one guide member for aligning the base member with binding means of the second object; the at least one guide member perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the base member, the at least one guide member, the at least one guide member having a selected cross-section, the at least one guide member extending transversely on the base plate to a selected point relative to the engagement means of the base member and (iv) at least one rail member, the at least one rail member having a selected cross-section, the at least one rail member extending transversely on the base plate from a selected point relative to the at least one guide member to a selected point relative to the trailing edge of the base member, at least one rail member for slidably engaging the binding means of the second object; b. the binding means of the second object having a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis corresponding to the longitudinal and transverse axes of the base member, the binding means of the second object comprising: (i) at least one guide groove, the at least one guide groove having a selected cross-section complementary to the cross-section of the at least one guide member, the at least one guide groove extending substantially transverse across the binding member, at least one guide groove for slidably receiving the guiding means of the first object; and (ii) at least one rail slot, adjacent to at least one guide groove in parallel alignment with at least one guide groove, the at least one rail slot aligned perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the binding means, the at least one rail slot having a selected cross-section complementary to the at least on rail member, the at least one guide slot extending substantially transverse across the binding means, at least one rail slot adapted for binding the second object to at least one rail member of the base member.
 15. The mounting system of claim 14 wherein the selected cross-section of the at least one guiding member is semi-circular.
 16. The mounting system of claim 14 wherein the selected cross-section of the at least one rail member is in the shape of a keyhole.
 17. The mounting system of claim 14 wherein the selected cross-section of the at least one guide groove is semi-circular.
 18. The mounting system of claim 15 wherein the selected cross-section of the at least one rail slot is in the shape of a keyhole.
 19. The mounting system of claim 14 additionally including abutment means attached to the base member, the abutment means for positioning the complementary binding means relative to the base member.
 20. The mounting system of claim 14 additionally comprising locking means for securing the binding means of the base member to the complementary binding means of the second object.
 21. The mounting system of claim 14 wherein the means for attaching the base member to the first object is a Hirth Curvic Coupling-type device. 